2017/12 JLPT N1 Letters and Vocabulary,Grammar test
問題1 ___の言葉の読み方として最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
1. 新しい販売ルートを<u>開拓</u>した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
開拓 (かいたく) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'development', 'reclamation', or 'pioneering'. The sentence means 'We pioneered a new sales route.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 開拓.
This reading is for 解析 (かいせき), meaning 'analysis', or 会席 (かいせき), meaning 'a dinner party'. It is not the correct reading for 開拓.
This is an incorrect reading for 開拓.
2. 私たちは、町の<u>復興</u>に全力で取り組んでいます。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
復興 (ふっこう) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'reconstruction' or 'restoration'. The sentence means 'We are fully committed to the reconstruction of the town.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 復興.
This is an incorrect reading for 復興.
This is an incorrect reading for 復興.
3. 書類の確認を<u>怠った</u>ために、問題が生じた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
怠った (おこたった) is the past tense of 怠る (おこたる), meaning 'to neglect' or 'to be negligent'. The sentence means 'Problems arose because I neglected to confirm the documents.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the past tense of 偽る (いつわる), meaning 'to deceive' or 'to falsify'.
This is the past tense of 躊躇う (ためらう), meaning 'to hesitate'.
This is the past tense of 謝る (あやまる), meaning 'to apologize', or 誤る (あやまる), meaning 'to make a mistake'.
4. 日本人の<u>了承</u>を得て、写真を掲載した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
了承 (りょうしょう) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'acknowledgment', 'understanding', or 'consent'. The sentence means 'I published the photo with the consent of the Japanese person.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 了承.
This is an incorrect reading for 了承.
This is an incorrect reading for 了承.
5. あの人はいつもあれこれ<u>指図</u>をする。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
指図 (さしず) is the correct reading for the kanji, meaning 'instruction', 'direction', or 'order'. The sentence means 'That person always gives various instructions.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is an incorrect reading for 指図.
This is an incorrect reading for 指図.
This reading is for 指示 (しじ), meaning 'instruction' or 'direction', but 指図 is read さしず.
6. 友人と東京の名所を<u>巡り</u>、旅を満喫した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
巡り (めぐり) is the noun form of 巡る (めぐる), meaning 'to go around' or 'to visit various places'. The sentence means 'I visited famous places in Tokyo with my friend and fully enjoyed the trip.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This is the noun form of 探る (さぐる), meaning 'to search' or 'to explore'.
This is the noun form of 辿る (たどる), meaning 'to follow (a path)' or 'to trace'.
This is the noun form of 粘る (ねばる), meaning 'to be sticky' or 'to persevere'.
問題2( )に入れるのに最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
7. 小型カメラの国内市場では、弊社が20パーセントの ( )を占めています。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
シェア (share) refers to market share. The sentence means 'In the domestic market for compact cameras, our company holds a 20% share.'
Why other options are incorrect:
レート (rate) refers to exchange rates, interest rates, etc., which does not fit the context of market percentage.
レベル (level) refers to a standard or degree, not a market portion.
ランク (rank) refers to a position in a hierarchy or classification, not a percentage of the market.
8. 転勤の意向を上司からそれとなく( )されたが、返答に迷っている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
打診 (だしん) means 'sounding out', 'making an inquiry', or 'probing'. It fits the context of subtly asking about someone's intention. The sentence means 'My boss subtly sounded me out about my intention to transfer, but I'm hesitant to reply.'
Why other options are incorrect:
自問 (じもん) means 'self-questioning', which is not applicable here.
試行 (しこう) means 'trial' or 'experiment', which does not fit the context of an inquiry.
探索 (たんさく) means 'search' or 'exploration', which is too broad for this context.
9. 新しい上司は、元警察官という( )の持ち主だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
経歴 (けいれき) means 'personal history', 'career', or 'background'. It refers to one's past experiences and achievements. The sentence means 'The new boss has a background as a former police officer.'
Why other options are incorrect:
由来 (ゆらい) means 'origin' or 'source', which is not suitable for describing a person's professional past.
経路 (けいろ) means 'route' or 'course', which is unrelated to a person's professional history.
従来 (じゅうらい) means 'up to now' or 'conventional', which is an adverb and does not fit here.
10. 布のバッグは水が染み込みやすいが、このバッグは水を( ) 素材で作られているので、雨の日も安心だ。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
弾く (はじく) means 'to repel' or 'to flick'. In this context, it means the material repels water. The sentence means 'Cloth bags easily absorb water, but this bag is made of a material that repels water, so you can feel safe on rainy days.'
Why other options are incorrect:
逸らす (そらす) means 'to avert' or 'to deflect (e.g., gaze, attention)', which does not apply to water repellency.
避ける (さける) means 'to avoid', which is not the intended meaning for a water-repellent material.
拒む (こばむ) means 'to refuse' or 'to reject', which is not used for physical properties like water repellency.
11. 今回の活動の趣旨は、この団体の設立目的から大きく( )している。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
逸脱 (いつだつ) means 'deviation', 'departure', or 'digression'. It fits the context of an activity's purpose significantly differing from the organization's founding purpose. The sentence means 'The purpose of this activity deviates significantly from the founding purpose of this organization.'
Why other options are incorrect:
脱退 (だったい) means 'withdrawal (from a group)', which is not applicable to a purpose.
分散 (ぶんさん) means 'dispersion' or 'scattering', which does not fit the context of a purpose differing.
拡散 (かくさん) means 'diffusion' or 'spread', which is not suitable for describing a deviation in purpose.
12. インターネットを使えば、様々な情報を( )簡単に入手できる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
いとも (itomo) is an adverb meaning 'very', 'extremely', or 'easily'. It emphasizes the ease of obtaining information. The sentence means 'Using the internet, you can obtain various information very easily.'
Why other options are incorrect:
敢えて (あえて) means 'daringly' or 'purposely', often implying doing something despite difficulty, which doesn't fit 'easily'.
いっそ (isso) means 'rather' or 'sooner', used when suggesting a drastic alternative, which is not applicable here.
せめて (semete) means 'at least', which does not fit the context of ease.
13. 河原の石は形も大きさも( )で、同じものが一つもないように見えた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
まちまち (machimachi) means 'diverse', 'varied', or 'different'. It describes things that are not uniform. The sentence means 'The stones in the riverbed varied in shape and size, and it seemed like no two were alike.'
Why other options are incorrect:
ごろごろ (gorogoro) describes a rolling sound, rumbling, or lying around idly, not variety in shape/size.
ぐらぐら (guragura) describes wobbling or shakiness, which is unrelated to the stones' appearance.
ぬるぬる (nurunuru) describes something slimy or slippery, which is not relevant to the stones' characteristics.
問題3__の言葉に意味が最も近いものを、 1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
14. 松本氏は自身のブログで<u>抱負</u>を述べていた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
抱負 (ほうふ) means 'ambition', 'aspiration', or 'future plans'. 決意 (けつい) means 'determination' or 'resolution', which is the closest in meaning to expressing one's future intentions or goals. The sentence means 'Mr. Matsumoto stated his aspirations on his blog.'
Why other options are incorrect:
見解 (けんかい) means 'view' or 'opinion', which is different from future aspirations.
感謝 (かんしゃ) means 'gratitude', which is unrelated to stating future plans.
反省 (はんせい) means 'reflection' or 'self-reproach', which is about past actions, not future ones.
15. あのころは、暮らしに<u>ゆとり</u>があった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
ゆとり (yutori) means 'room', 'space', 'leeway', or 'affluence'. 余裕 (よゆう) means 'room', 'leeway', 'margin', or 'financial comfort'. They are very close in meaning, especially in the context of having 'room' or 'comfort' in one's life. The sentence means 'Back then, I had financial comfort in my life.'
Why other options are incorrect:
目標 (もくひょう) means 'goal' or 'target', which is not a synonym for ゆとり.
活気 (かっき) means 'liveliness' or 'energy', which is not a synonym for ゆとり.
知恵 (ちえ) means 'wisdom', which is not a synonym for ゆとり.
16. 出荷台数は<u>若干</u>伸びている。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
若干 (じゃっかん) means 'a little', 'a few', or 'somewhat'. わずかに (wazuka ni) means 'slightly', 'a little', or 'only a little'. They both indicate a small degree or amount. The sentence means 'The number of units shipped has increased slightly.'
Why other options are incorrect:
いまだに (imadani) means 'still' or 'even now', implying something has continued for a long time, often unexpectedly, which is not a synonym for 若干.
つねに (tsuneni) means 'always' or 'constantly', which is the opposite of 若干.
さらに (sarani) means 'furthermore', 'moreover', or 'still more', indicating an increase, but not a small amount like 若干.
17. その議員は議会での発言を<u>撤回</u>した。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
撤回 (てっかい) means 'withdrawal', 'retraction', or 'revocation'. 取り消した (とりけした) is the past tense of 取り消す (とりけす), meaning 'to cancel', 'to revoke', or 'to withdraw'. They are synonyms in this context. The sentence means 'That legislator retracted his statement in the assembly.'
Why other options are incorrect:
訂正した (ていせいした) means 'corrected', which is different from retracting a statement.
繰り返した (くりかえした) means 'repeated', which is the opposite of retracting.
省略した (しょうりゃくした) means 'omitted' or 'abbreviated', which is not the same as retracting.
18. あの二人はいつも<u>張り合って</u>いる。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
張り合う (はりあう) means 'to compete with', 'to rival', or 'to contend with'. 競い合う (きそいあう) means 'to compete with each other'. They are direct synonyms. The sentence means 'Those two are always competing with each other.'
Why other options are incorrect:
見つめ合って (みつめあって) means 'gazing at each other', which is unrelated to competition.
助け合って (たすけあって) means 'helping each other', which is the opposite of competing.
傷つけ合って (きずつつけあって) means 'hurting each other', which is a negative outcome, not the act of competing itself.
19. 中村氏の<u>かたくなな</u>態度は変わらなかった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
かたくなな (katakuna na) means 'stubborn', 'obstinate', or 'inflexible'. 頑固な (がんこな) means 'stubborn', 'obstinate', or 'firm'. They are synonyms. The sentence means 'Mr. Nakamura's stubborn attitude did not change.'
Why other options are incorrect:
冷静な (れいせいな) means 'calm' or 'cool', which is not a synonym for stubborn.
強引な (ごういんな) means 'overbearing' or 'pushy', which describes a different kind of attitude than stubbornness.
真剣な (しんけんな) means 'serious' or 'earnest', which is not a synonym for stubborn.
問題4 次の言葉の使い方として最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
20. <u>重複</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
重複 (ちょうふく) means 'duplication' or 'overlap'. Option 2 correctly uses it to describe duplicate data that needs to be organized. The sentence means 'There was some duplicate data among the large amount of data, so it needed to be organized urgently.'
Why other options are incorrect:
重複 is not typically used for 'repeatedly memorizing'. 繰り返す (kurikaesu) or 復習する (fukushuu suru) would be more appropriate.
重複 is not used for 'accumulating' or 'piling up' unreasonable efforts. 重なる (kasanaru) or 積み重なる (tsumikasanaru) would be more appropriate.
重複 is not used for 'a long, overlapping line'. 長く伸びる (nagaku nobiru) or 幾重にも重なる (ikuemoni kasanaru) would be more appropriate.
21. <u>拠点</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
拠点 (きょてん) means 'base', 'stronghold', or 'headquarters'. Option 4 correctly uses it to describe a central location from which activities are conducted. The sentence means 'Company A is expanding its business nationwide, based in its hometown of Kyoto.'
Why other options are incorrect:
拠点 is not used for the 'source' or 'origin' of a rumor. 根源 (kongen) or 出どころ (dedokoro) would be more appropriate.
拠点 is not used for a 'foundational work' in literature. 基礎 (kiso) or 礎 (ishizue) would be more appropriate.
拠点 is not used for a 'central point' from which roads extend. 中心 (chuushin) or 基点 (kiten) would be more appropriate.
22. <u>真っ先</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
真っ先 (まっさき) means 'the very beginning', 'the forefront', or 'the first thing'. Option 1 correctly uses it to mean 'the first person that came to mind'. The sentence means 'As someone suitable for a leader, the first person who came to my mind was Mr. Ishikawa.'
Why other options are incorrect:
真っ先 is not used for 'being first in class' in terms of ranking. 一番 (ichiban) or トップ (toppu) would be more appropriate.
真っ先 is not used for 'the beginning' or 'front part' of a document. 冒頭 (boutou) or 最初 (saisho) would be more appropriate.
真っ先 is not used for 'the front row' of a classroom. 一番前 (ichiban mae) or 最前列 (saizenretsu) would be more appropriate.
23. <u>緊密</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
緊密 (きんみつ) means 'close', 'intimate', or 'tight (relationship)'. Option 4 correctly uses it to describe a close and strong cooperative relationship. The sentence means 'In this area, schools and the community are cooperating closely to protect children's safety.'
Why other options are incorrect:
緊密 is not used for 'increasing frequency' of flights. 頻繁 (hinpan) or 増加 (zouka) would be more appropriate.
緊密 is not used for 'chairs being arranged closely'. ぎっしり (gisshiri) or 密に (mitsu ni) would be more appropriate.
緊密 is not used for 'subtle differences in meaning'. 微妙 (bimyou) or 細かく (komakaku) would be more appropriate.
24. <u>遂げる</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
遂げる (とげる) means 'to achieve', 'to accomplish', or 'to complete'. It is often used with abstract nouns like 'change', 'development', 'purpose', 'death', etc. Option 1 correctly uses it to mean 'achieved a surprising change'. The sentence means 'This town has undergone surprising changes due to recent redevelopment.'
Why other options are incorrect:
遂げる is not used for 'a contract being concluded'. 成立する (seiritsu suru) or 締結される (teiketsu sareru) would be more appropriate.
遂げる is not used for 'bearing responsibility'. 負う (ou) or 担う (ninau) would be more appropriate.
遂げる is not used for 'completing construction'. 完了する (kanryou suru) or 終える (oeru) would be more appropriate.
25. <u>うなだれる</u>
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
うなだれる (unadareru) means 'to hang one's head' or 'to droop one's head', typically due to sadness, shame, or disappointment. Option 3 correctly uses it to describe someone hanging their head in disappointment. The sentence means 'My sister seemed disappointed by the news and hung her head, not looking up.'
Why other options are incorrect:
うなだれる is not used for 'leaning out of a window'. 身を乗り出す (mi o noridasu) or 乗り出す (noridasu) would be more appropriate.
うなだれる is not used for 'nodding strongly in agreement'. 頷く (unazuku) or 強く同意する (tsuyoku doui suru) would be more appropriate.
うなだれる is not used for 'looking down at one's feet'. 足元を見る (ashimoto o miru) or 下を見る (shita o miru) would be more appropriate.
問題5 次の文の( )に入れるのに最もよいものを、1・2・3・4 から一つ選びなさい。
26. X陶芸美術館が25日、Y市に開館する。同美術館ではこれ ( )、23日に関係者を招いて記念式典を行った。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～に先立ち」 (ni sakidachi) means 'prior to ~', 'before ~', or 'in advance of ~'. It indicates that something is done before a main event. The sentence means 'X Ceramics Museum will open in Y City on the 25th. Prior to this, the museum held a commemorative ceremony on the 23rd, inviting related parties.'
Why other options are incorrect:
「～に次ぎ」 (ni tsugi) means 'following ~' or 'next to ~', which implies sequence, not preparation before an event.
「～につける」 (ni tsukeru) means 'to attach to ~' or 'to put on ~', which is grammatically incorrect and semantically unrelated.
「～につれ」 (ni tsure) means 'as ~ (changes)' or 'in proportion to ~', indicating a correlation, not a preparatory action.
27. 水泳の水川陽選手。父親が有名な水泳選手である( )、彼は周囲からの大きなプレッシャーに苦しんできたが、それを乗り越え、見事オリンピック出場を決めた。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～がゆえに」 (ga yue ni) means 'because of ~', 'due to ~', or 'for the reason that ~'. It expresses a cause or reason, often for something negative or difficult. The sentence means 'Swimmer Mizukawa Yo. Because his father is a famous swimmer, he suffered from great pressure from those around him, but he overcame it and splendidly qualified for the Olympics.'
Why other options are incorrect:
「～かというと」 (ka to iu to) means 'when you say ~' or 'if you ask ~', often introducing a specific aspect or a slight contradiction, which doesn't fit the causal relationship here.
「～といえば」 (to ieba) means 'speaking of ~' or 'if you mention ~', used to bring up a related topic, not to state a cause.
「～ように」 (you ni) means 'so that ~', 'in order to ~', or 'like ~', expressing purpose or similarity, not a direct cause for suffering pressure.
28. 姉:「あれ?出かけるの?」<br/> 妹:「うん、ちょっと新宿(しんじゅく)まで。」 <br/>姉:「あ、新宿に( )、帰りにみるく屋のチーズケーキ、買ってきてくれない?」<br/> 妹:「うん、いいよ。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～んだったら / ～んなら」 (n'dattara / n'nara) is a casual form of 「～のであれば」 or 「～のなら」, meaning 'if (you are going to) ~' or 'since ~'. It's used to state a condition or reason for a request or suggestion. The sister is asking for a favor *since* the younger sister is going to Shinjuku.
Why other options are incorrect:
「～と」 (to) implies a natural consequence or habitual action, not a specific condition for a request.
「～ば」 (ba) implies a general condition, but 「行くんなら」 is more natural for a specific, immediate condition leading to a request.
「～てたら」 (tetara) implies a hypothetical past or ongoing action, which doesn't fit the present intention of going to Shinjuku.
29. 5年前に植えた校庭の桜が、今年初めて花を( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
咲かせる (sakaseru) is the causative form of 咲く (saku, to bloom). While 咲いた (bloomed) is grammatically possible, 咲かせた implies that the cherry tree *caused* itself to bloom for the first time, or that the conditions *caused* it to bloom, emphasizing the culmination of its growth. This nuance is often preferred in N1 for a tree blooming for the first time after being planted.
Why other options are incorrect:
咲いた (saita) is the simple past tense 'bloomed'. While grammatically correct, 咲かせた carries a nuance of the tree's 'effort' or the natural process leading to the first bloom, which is more fitting for this context.
咲いている (saite iru) means 'is blooming' (present continuous), which doesn't fit the context of 'for the first time this year'.
咲くだろう (saku darou) means 'will probably bloom', which is a future prediction, not a past event.
30. (社内メールで) 営業部各位<br/> 第三回プレゼン勉強会を開催します。参加希望者は1月15日までに、人事課村田までお知らせ( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～願います」 (negai masu) is a polite way to make a request, meaning 'I ask that you ~' or 'Please ~'. It's commonly used in formal announcements or business communications to request action from others. The sentence means 'We will hold the 3rd Presentation Study Session. Those who wish to participate, please inform Murata in the HR department by January 15th.'
Why other options are incorrect:
「～いたします」 (itashimasu) is the humble form of する (suru), meaning 'I will do ~'. This is used for the speaker's action, not to request action from others.
「～なさいます」 (nasaimasu) is the honorific form of する (suru), meaning 'you will do ~'. While it refers to the listener's action, 「お知らせなさいます」 is not a natural phrasing for a request in this context.
「～申し上げます」 (moushiagemasu) is the humble form of 言う (iu), meaning 'I will say/tell ~'. This is used for the speaker's action of telling, not to request information from others.
31. 悩んでいるときは、信頼できる誰かに話を聞いてもらうといい。話すことで自分の考えも整理でき、解決には至らな い( )、気持ちが楽になるだろう。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～には至らないまでも」 (ni wa itaranai made mo) means 'even if it doesn't go as far as ~' or 'even if it doesn't reach the point of ~'. It implies that while the ideal outcome might not be achieved, a lesser positive outcome is still possible. The sentence means 'When you're troubled, it's good to have someone you trust listen to you. By talking, you can organize your thoughts, and even if it doesn't lead to a solution, you'll probably feel relieved.'
Why other options are incorrect:
「～ほどでは」 (hodo de wa) means 'not to the extent of ~', but the full phrase '～には至らないまでも' is the correct idiom.
「～ほどを」 (hodo o) is not a common grammatical pattern in this context.
「～までもが」 (made mo ga) means 'even ~' (emphasizes an unexpected inclusion), which doesn't fit the nuance of 'even if it doesn't reach the point of'.
32. (テレビ番組で)<br/> 司会:「きちんと手を( )、指の間などに意外に汚れが残っていることも多いのです。そこで今日は正しい手の洗 い方をご紹介します。」
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～たつもりでも」 (ta tsumori demo) means 'even though one thought they had done ~' or 'even if one intended to do ~'. It implies that despite one's intention or belief, the action was not fully or correctly completed. The sentence means 'Even if you think you've washed your hands properly, dirt often remains unexpectedly between your fingers. So today, we will introduce the correct way to wash your hands.'
Why other options are incorrect:
「～えるとは」 (eru to wa) means 'to be able to ~ (and it's surprising/realized)', which doesn't fit the context of dirt remaining despite washing.
「～えるとのことで」 (eru to no koto de) means 'it is said that one can ~', used for conveying information, not for a discrepancy between intention and reality.
「洗ったつもりだし」 (aratta tsumori dashi) means 'I thought I had washed, and besides...', implying a reason, but it doesn't convey the nuance of a discrepancy or incomplete action.
33. 今日は朝から胃の調子が悪い。 夜中にラーメンなんか ( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～んじゃなかった」 (n'ja nakatta) is a colloquial contraction of 「～のではなかった」, meaning 'I shouldn't have done ~' or 'I wish I hadn't done ~'. It expresses regret for a past action. The sentence means 'My stomach has been upset since this morning. I shouldn't have eaten ramen in the middle of the night.'
Why other options are incorrect:
「食べられるんじゃなかった」 (taberareru n'ja nakatta) means 'I shouldn't have been able to eat', which implies a potential ability, not regret for the action itself.
「食べたんじゃなかった」 (tabeta n'ja nakatta) means 'it wasn't that I ate', which negates the act of eating, not expresses regret.
「食べられたんじゃなかった」 (taberareta n'ja nakatta) means 'it wasn't that I was able to eat' (passive/potential), which is grammatically incorrect and semantically inappropriate.
34. 近年、世界的な人口増加により、ものへの想いはなし( ) 。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～つつある」 (tsutsu aru) means 'is gradually ~ing' or 'is in the process of ~ing'. It indicates a gradual change or ongoing process. The sentence means 'In recent years, due to the global population increase, the sentiment towards things is gradually increasing.'
Why other options are incorrect:
「高める見込みだ」 (takameru mikomi da) means 'it is expected to raise/increase (something)', using a transitive verb, which doesn't fit the subject 'sentiment' (想い) increasing on its own.
「高まるケースだ」 (takameru keesu da) means 'it is a case where it increases', which is grammatically awkward and less natural for describing a general trend.
「高めることを余儀なくさせた」 (takameru koto o yoginaku saseta) means 'was forced to raise/increase (something)', again using a transitive verb and implying external force, which doesn't fit the context.
35. 昨日午後2時ごろ、X市の一部地域で、約400世帯が停電した。ABC電力は、工事中のクレーン車が電線に接触 したのが原因 ( )。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
「～としている」 (to shite iru) means 'to consider ~ as', 'to regard ~ as', or 'to state that ~ is'. It's used to express a company's or organization's official stance or conclusion regarding a cause or situation. The sentence means 'Yesterday around 2 PM, about 400 households in a part of X City experienced a power outage. ABC Electric Power stated that the cause was a crane truck under construction touching the power lines.'
Why other options are incorrect:
「～になっている」 (ni natte iru) means 'has become ~', which describes a state, not an official statement of cause by an entity.
「～にある」 (ni aru) means 'is located in ~' or 'exists in ~', which describes location or existence, not a stated cause.
「～とある」 (to aru) means 'it is written/stated that ~', typically used for direct quotes or written information, less natural for a company's conclusion about a cause.
問題6 次の文の_★_に入る最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
36. 「乗りかかった船」ということわざは、乗った船が岸を離れれば途中で降りることができない ___ _★_ ___ ___ことのたとえである。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 「物事を始めてしまった以上途中でやめるわけにはいかないことから」. The phrase 「～以上」 (ijou) means 'now that ~' or 'since ~'. 「～わけにはいかない」 (wake ni wa ikanai) means 'cannot ~' or 'it's impossible to ~'. 「～ことから」 (koto kara) means 'from the fact that ~' or 'because of ~'. The proverb '乗りかかった船' (norikakatta fune) literally means 'a ship that has already started sailing', and it is a metaphor for the idea that 'once you have started something, you cannot stop halfway'. Therefore, '物事を始めてしまった' (having started something) is the part that comes before '以上'.
Why other options are incorrect:
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
37. 年をとって人生を振り返った時に ___ _★_ ___ ___したくない。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 「あの時ああしていたらもっと素晴らしい人生を送れていたはずと後悔するような生き方はしたくない。」 The phrase 「～はずと後悔するような」 (hazu to koukai suru you na) means 'the kind of life where one regrets that they should have ~'. The sentence means 'When I look back on my life when I get old, I don't want to live a life where I regret thinking 'If only I had done that back then, I should have been able to live a much more wonderful life'.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
38. NPO法人「音楽の夢」では、音楽を通じたさまざまな教育プロジェクトを展開していくことに ___ ___ _★_ ___ 活動をしています。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 「よって豊かな社会の実現に寄与することを目的」. The phrase 「～に寄与する」 (ni kiyo suru) means 'to contribute to ~'. 「～ことを目的」 (koto o mokuteki) means 'with the purpose of ~ing'. The sentence means 'The NPO 'Music Dream' is engaged in activities with the purpose of contributing to the realization of a rich society by developing various educational projects through music.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
39. 今は、一学年5クラスもある北森川(きたもりかわ)小学校だが、___ ___ _★_ ___危機感があった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 「かつては少子化で存続は難しいのではという」. The phrase 「～のではという」 (no de wa to iu) means 'the feeling/sense that it might be ~'. The sentence means 'Kitamorikawa Elementary School now has 5 classes per grade, but there was once a sense of crisis that its continued existence would be difficult due to the declining birthrate.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
40. 県立高校の校長が、同校に在学する知人の娘の成績証明書を偽造したことが明らかになり、教育関係者からは ___ ___ ___ _★_と怒りの声が上がった。
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The correct order is 「教育現場の長としてあるまじき行為」. The phrase 「～としてあるまじき」 (to shite arumajiki) means 'unbecoming of ~' or 'unacceptable for ~'. The sentence means 'It became clear that the principal of the prefectural high school forged the academic transcript of an acquaintance's daughter who was enrolled at the school, and voices of anger rose from education officials, saying it was an unacceptable act for a leader in the education field.'
Why other options are incorrect:
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
This option is part of the correct phrase but is not the one that fits the ★ position to complete the sentence structure.
問題7 次の文章を読んで、文章全体の趣旨を踏まえて、(41)から(45)の中に入る最もよいものを、1・2・3・4から一つ選びなさい。
Reading Passage
思春期の頃ころ、母親の存在を疎ましく(注1)思った。初めて恋をした頃ころだった。恋するという感情が 嬉うれしいような恐ろしいような気がしていて、何かのせいにしたかったのだと思う。自分の中には母親と同じ血が流れていて、だから恋なんかするんだ、全てお母さんのせいなのだと変な理屈で恋心を納得させようとしていた。
本書の主人公・鈴子(すずこ)【41】 母親は天敵のような存在で、母からいつも逃げたいと思っていた。そして 結婚に猛反対した母を捨てるような気持ちで誠一郎と一緒になったのだ。
50代になった鈴子は、盲目の夫・誠一郎(せいいちろう)と盲導犬の茶々(ちゃちゃ）とアメリカでペンションを経営しながら穏やかな日々を過ごしている。 【42】 、小さな青果店を営む岡おか山やまの実家から母親の体調が悪いことを知らされ、5年ぶりの里帰り(注2)を計画するのだが、大雪による停電が続き里帰りは危ぶまれる。
停電の中で様々な過 去の記憶が甦(よみがえ)る。母との確執、初恋の人・隆史(たかし)と交わした約束...。過去の記憶を過ぎたことと忘れてしまえればどんなに楽かと【43】。
記憶は塗り変えることが出来ないから厄介で、いつまでも胸を締め 付ける。思春期の頃(ころ)に母親に投げかけた酷ひどい言葉がふとした時に生々しく心の中に甦(よみがえ)って居たたまれないような気持ちになる(注3)ことがある。【44】、記憶は塗り変えられないけれど、新しい記憶を 育むことは出来る。
停電の中で鈴子(すずこ)は、結婚前に再会した隆史(たかし)が時間を超えて果たしてくれた 約束を思い出す。それは、母から誠一郎(せいいちろう)へと旅立つ鈴子の背中を強引に押してくれた。誰にも言えない秘密の思い出だった。
記憶は人の心を締め付けることも温めることも出来る。誠一郎(せいいちろう)との暮らしの中で育まれてゆく静かで豊かな幸福な時間は、鈴子の母への思いを少しずつ和らげてくれる。物語の最後で交わされる母娘の電話の会話はとっても可愛くて微笑(ほほえ)ましかった。本を閉じた後、【45】 車を実家に走らせた。
(注1) 疎(うと)ましい:いやな感じがして避けたい
(注2)里帰り:実家に帰ること
(注3)居たたまれないような気持ちになる : ここでは、落ち着いた気持ちでいられなくなる
English Summary & Annotations
【41】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence describes Suzuko's perspective. 「～にとっても」 (ni tottemo) means 'for ~' or 'from ~'s perspective'. It indicates that for Suzuko, her mother was like a natural enemy. The full phrase would be '本書の主人公・鈴子にとっても母親は天敵のような存在で...' (For the protagonist of this book, Suzuko, her mother was like a natural enemy...).
Why other options are incorrect:
「ではないが」 (de wa nai ga) means 'although it is not ~', which doesn't fit the context of stating Suzuko's perspective.
「と同じく」 (to onajiku) means 'similar to ~', which would imply Suzuko's mother was similar to something else, not that she was a natural enemy *for* Suzuko.
「とは違って」 (to wa chigatte) means 'unlike ~', which would imply a contrast, not a statement of Suzuko's view.
【42】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The passage describes Suzuko's peaceful life, and then introduces a sudden event: she receives news about her mother. 「ある日」 (aru hi) means 'one day' and is used to introduce a specific event that happens unexpectedly or at a particular point in time, fitting the narrative flow.
Why other options are incorrect:
「あの日に」 (ano hi ni) means 'on that day', referring to a specific, previously mentioned day, which is not the case here.
「こうして」 (koushite) means 'thus' or 'in this way', used to summarize a process or consequence, not to introduce a new event.
「そうやって」 (sou yatte) means 'in that way', referring to a previously described method, which is not applicable here.
【43】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The phrase 「どんなに楽かとよく思う」 (donna ni raku ka to yoku omou) means 'I often think how easy it would be if ~'. It expresses a recurring thought or wish of the narrator/protagonist, which fits the context of reflecting on past memories.
Why other options are incorrect:
「よく思うらしい」 (yoku omou rashii) means 'seems to often think', implying hearsay or conjecture, which is not appropriate for the narrator's own thoughts.
「思った場合だ」 (omotta baai da) means 'it's a case where I thought', which is grammatically awkward and doesn't convey the recurring nature of the thought.
「思っただけだ」 (omotta dake da) means 'I just thought', implying it was only a single thought, not a recurring one.
【44】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The sentence before the blank describes the negative aspect of memories (they are troublesome and cannot be changed). The sentence after the blank introduces a contrasting, positive aspect (new memories can be fostered). 「ただ」 (tada) means 'however', 'but', or 'simply'. It introduces a qualification or a contrasting point, fitting the transition from a negative to a positive aspect of memories.
Why other options are incorrect:
「それに」 (sore ni) means 'in addition to that' or 'moreover', which adds more information rather than introducing a contrast.
「だって」 (datte) is a colloquial conjunction meaning 'because' or 'but', often used for excuses or strong contradiction, which is too informal and doesn't fit the nuanced transition.
「まして」 (mashite) means 'much less' or 'let alone', used to emphasize something even more so, which is not appropriate for introducing a contrasting idea.
【45】
Detailed Explanation
Why this is correct:
The final sentence describes the reviewer's action after reading the book. The reviewer is the one who felt like driving to their family home, implying they wanted to see their own mother. 「母親に会いたくなって」 (hahaoya ni aitaku natte) means 'wanting to meet my mother'. The subject 'I' is omitted, which is common in Japanese when clear from context.
Why other options are incorrect:
This option makes Suzuko the subject, but the sentence is about the reviewer's feelings after reading the book, not Suzuko's.
This option also makes Suzuko the subject, which is incorrect for the reviewer's personal reflection.
This option means 'the mother wanted to meet Suzuko', which is not the reviewer's feeling or action.